We bought our Octavia 1.5 petrol estate, 2018 reg, in July this year with just under 50k miles on the clock, the first we've owned. (And generally very pleased with it too.)

 

I've learned that the auto-stop/start system works when the moment feels right for it, and that usually that's when I've been driving a little way to get the battery a bit topped up, but today it brought up an "Auto Stop System Error" (or words to that effect) message on the small display screen as soon as the key turned.
After driving a couple of miles, pressing the button by the gear shift which switches off/on that system still simply brought a repeat of the message. This is the first time I've seen this message. I also felt the engine wasn't idling as smoothly as usual during stops at junctions.

 

When I re-started about 20 minutes later, it worked perfectly, idling smooth and quiet and stop/starting as nice as anything.

 

Because it's got a 6 month warranty I phoned the dealer to report, so if it happens again within our 6 months they've been notified; the salesman (he's young and very inclined to be airily reassuring whether he knows the answer or not!) assured me it's to do with the battery and happens frequently, even though I mentioned it being the first time I've seen that message.

 

I'm wondering if I should be concerned, or if it is likely just to be a battery issue. (In which case selling me a car with a battery that near end of life isn't impressing me too much!)

 

Thanks for any informed comments.

I'd suggest getting the battery tested - preferably a high-rate discharge test.

If your runs are mostly relatively short distances, the battery management system will typically restrict battery charge state to around 75%, reserving the remaining approx. 25% capacity for energy recuperation.

The slightly rougher idling could possibly be the alternator being loaded-up in an attempt to raise battery charge state. 

Thanks, that's useful information and makes good sense to me.

As previously stated, take your battery for a free load test at a trusted garage.

I personally have never owned a car yet (owned many), that the s/s system has worked 100% of the time. This is my second Octavia with the same engine as yours, mine doesn't work 100% of the time either, when it does it's not always 100% reliable either, I'm certainly not concerned about it though, my battery is good. 

My car always idles consistently, slighter higher for a few seconds after a cold start then drops back to normal. No increases at junctions or lights when stopped.  This engine can be marginally jerky to use when very cold, although within the bounds of acceptability within my experience. If you are not sure about it's previous service history, I'd also be tempted to change the spark plugs. As mine started breaking down x3 of the 4 within two years after being changed within my last octavia, my current one had them changed a year ago. 

When start/stop doesn't work it's always worth checking the infotainment screen that gives an explanation why it isn't working - things like aircon, electrical load, etc.

Thanks all. As I said, I've got used to it deciding for itself, due to other load I presume, when to work or not, to either switch off at junctions or to show the "A"  in a circle with a line through symbol. Yesterday was the first time it's actually produced an error message.

 

I will indeed get the battery checked as advised.

This week's busy with family visiting here followed by a 500m round trip to Northumberland for a funeral. Would it be foolish not to get the battery tested first, to wait until next week? I'd hate it to fail completely during that important journey, regardless of the auto-stop/start, but it would be hard to fit a check into the first part of the week too.
 

Edited 26 October, 20241 yr by Hedgehurst

Unlikely to fail during your upcoming trip, it may even give it a chance to recover somewhat. Do get it properly tested after the trip though. 

44 minutes ago, Warrior193 said:

Unlikely to fail during your upcoming trip, it may even give it a chance to recover somewhat. Do get it properly tested after the trip though. 

Thanks, that's reassuring again, I will indeed -  and I'll not hold you personally responsible if it does fail on the journey! 😃

I have (rather unfairly, I think) been considered to be a little conservative at times, probably the ex-scout in me - E.g. carry a spare wheel, portable boost starter and a few roadside tools, etc. in all my vehicles.   

11 hours ago, Warrior193 said:

I have (rather unfairly, I think) been considered to be a little conservative at times, probably the ex-scout in me - E.g. carry a spare wheel, portable boost starter and a few roadside tools, etc. in all my vehicles.   

I can't claim to carry all that, but do have jump leads, and would hate to have a car without a spare wheel. Either I'm seriously weaker than I used to be or wheel nuts are a lot tighter than they used to be - I changed wheels on a couple of our cars 40 years ago, but these days would have to wait for professional help.
Having roadside tools implies knowing how to use them - with most things under the bonnet I'd be afraid of making things worse, despite having taken a car maintenance evening class course many years ago!

Meanwhile the auto stop/start system was working fine yesterday. I'm just hoping it's not that dreaded matter, an intermittent fault in the electrics.

1 hour ago, Hedgehurst said:

I can't claim to carry all that, but do have jump leads, and would hate to have a car without a spare wheel. Either I'm seriously weaker than I used to be or wheel nuts are a lot tighter than they used to be - I changed wheels on a couple of our cars 40 years ago, but these days would have to wait for professional help.
Having roadside tools implies knowing how to use them - with most things under the bonnet I'd be afraid of making things worse, despite having taken a car maintenance evening class course many years ago!

Meanwhile the auto stop/start system was working fine yesterday. I'm just hoping it's not that dreaded matter, an intermittent fault in the electrics.

Overtightened wheel bolts, courtesy of gorillas with hammer guns set to max, easily fixed with breaker bar and socket in tool kit.

A quick extra query - I phoned our usual garage this afternoon. (We had family staying so couldn't get to this earlier)   It's a two-man back-street place with a long history and we trust them. They say they only have a "drop test" for batteries rather than more complex equipment,  and couldn't fit me in tomorrow. But suggested that Halfords do a free test with a print-out which would at least inform me.
I could probably fit one of those in the available time before Thursday's funeral trip.
I wonder if Halford's battery checks are like a certain other cheap Fix MOT was said to be, that even with a perfect car the only thing guaranteed was that they'd find something needing replacing, or if they're genuinely useful?
 

The 'Drop test' (usually called high rate discharge test) your garage mentioned will be good enough for a reasonable condition assessment - but needs to be done on a fully charged battery to be accurate.

I’ve just recently replaced my battery on my 1.5 TSI. The old one had lasted 120k and was causing all sorts of issues such as misfiring from cold and stop/start not working. 
 

When weird messages and EML lights come on the first thing to check on an Octavia is the battery. 

14 hours ago, gm73 said:

I’ve just recently replaced my battery on my 1.5 TSI. The old one had lasted 120k and was causing all sorts of issues such as misfiring from cold and stop/start not working. 
 

When weird messages and EML lights come on the first thing to check on an Octavia is the battery. 

Thanks. Fingers crossed this one'll get us to Northumberland and back, it's now booked in for a check next week. It's only been one occasion for the Error Message, and the stop/start worked a couple of times yesterday, so I'm hoping it's not that near a sudden cliff of failure.

A very late reply to this thread, with apologies for getting distracted by stuff.
Thanks again for the helpful comments here - the car worked beautifully on our 500 mile Northumbrian trip, and then went to our local friendly garage for a check over. They reckon it drives as nicely as any of its more expensively named relatives, and can't see any warranty issues we'll need to report - the warranty 6 months runs out soon so I'm trusting they're right!

There are bound to be further future questions coming up....